Official Community Plan

What is the Official Community Plan?

The District of Saanich has numerous community plans and policies to guide growth and change within our municipality. The Official Community Plan (OCP) is the most important, providing the primary guidance. In concert with other plans and policies, the OCP provides a framework for how Saanich will grow and change as a community. Saanich’s updated OCP was adopted on May 7, 2024.

The OCP contains policy to inform decisions by Council, staff and the public to:

  • Manage growth and land use
  • Protect the natural environment
  • Guide transportation and mobility priorities
  • Develop the economy
  • Meet housing needs
  • Address climate change
  • Build infrastructure.

What other documents are part of the OCP?

The OCP Bylaw includes three Centre, Corridor and Village Plans as attachments:

Local Area Plans and the Shelbourne Valley Action Plan are adopted by Council Resolution, but do not form part of the OCP Bylaw.

The OCP also designates Development Permit Areas and Development Permit Area Guidelines that regulate special aspects of development such as architectural design, site design, and protection of the natural environment.

When was the OCP adopted?

Council adopted an updated OCP in May 2024 following an extensive community consultation process. Saanich's previous Official Community Plans were adopted in 1979, 1984, 1993, and 2008.

How does an OCP stay current?

The OCP is a living document that will undergo periodic changes to respond to community issues or new information. Amendments to the OCP are required to follow a formal statutory process, including a public hearing. Comprehensive updates are required every five years by the Local Government Act.

How does the OCP fit into regional plans for growth?

Saanich's OCP works in tandem with the Capital Regional District's Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) .

The RGS was updated in 2018. Saanich’s OCP contains a Regional Context Statement (Section 16) that indicates how the Plan aligns with the RGS.

How can I get a copy of the OCP?

  • Download a digital copy of the Saanich OCP
  • Buy a hard copy from the Planning Department ($25)
  • View a reference copy at the Saanich Planning Department, Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue.